"The Battle of Russia," Chapter V of Frank Capra's "Why We Fight"
series, follows the beginning of the end for Adolph Hitler. In Part
Two, the German army falls victim to the Soviet scorched-earth strategy.
The Russian forces flee from the start, retreating deep into their
homeland, drawing the Nazis farther and farther away from the German
border. As the Red Army falls back, it destroys infrastructure and
natural resources, making it difficult for the Nazi army to live off the
land. Once the famed Russian winter sets in, Germany is doomed. The
film focuses on the stalwart defense of Leningrad. After the Nazis
surround the Soviet metropolis in an attempt to starve out its
residents, the Russians outsmart them by constructing a fully
operational railroad across a frozen lake to get supplies to the
beleaguered citizens. The Battle of Russia ends up as a disaster for the
Germans, who lose more than 800,000 men.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews (5)